Dual-motor upright vacuums

[fan-of-fans]

One trend of the late 1990s and 2000s in the states was dual motor uprights - one motor for suction and one for brushroll.

Eureka had the Excalibur and I believe a Sanitaire version starting around the mid-90s. Bissell had their Plus model with liftoff canister starting in 1994, and continuing with current bagless models. Hoover however, is one maker who never seemed to interested in this. I recall a Windtunnel model having two motors, but not many if any others. And Kenmore/Panasonic with their clean air models, which later became direct drive and some having a gentle sweep low speed setting, and some versions even having two brushroll motors.

Windsor, Electrolux/Lux, Tacony, and Sebo are some others I can think of.

Do you think twin motor uprights are a good design, or do you prefer single motor?

I personally like the twin motor uprights for the brushroll shutoff capability and most seem to clean carpets very well. Of course a single motor with clutch can accomplish the same. However, IMO the old tried and true dirty air "fan on the floor" models do as good or a better job with much more simplicity in their design, and using less current.

 

[human]

I like them...

I've got four Electrolux twin-motor uprights, which date back to the mid-1980s—a Discovery II, Discovery Plus with onboard tool storage (design mistake, IMO), Genesis LXe and Epic SR3500. I really like them because they're powerful, lightweight and easy to maneuver. The aforementioned ability to turn the brush roll on and off separately from the suction motor is a nice plus. I could easily take one of these (with a full tool set) as my only vacuum*.

*Except for the Discovery Plus. The onboard tool storage is awkward at best and it's not equipped to support a SideKick.

 

[suckolux]

I like the twin motor design and agree with the comment about the dirty air fan first uprights.

 

[panasonicvac]

Personally

I think dual motor uprights are one of the most ingenious vacuums ever sold. Especially when you can do more than just switching the brushroll off like the Lindhaus Healthcare Pro. In my opinion, I think these are overall the best upright vacuums ever made by far.

 

[cam2s]

I think dual motor machines are great too. In addition to the flexibility they generally allow for a sleeker or slimmer design. I have a Versamatic that I use at the Hotel and it’s a beast, cleans well, is easy to service and the thing just won’t die. The Discovery is a great machine too